Don’t bring back ‘repressive’ features of DSA in Cyber Security Act: Amnesty to Bangladesh

Amnesty International has welcomed Bangladesh’s decision to ‘repeal’ the Digital Security Act (DSA), but urged the government to ensure that the new Cyber Security Act does not contain the same ‘repressive’ characteristics.

The UK-based organisation, on its official Twitter page, said on Monday, “Bangladesh: Amnesty International welcomes the decision of the government to repeal the Digital Security Act (DSA), a draconian law which was weaponised by the ruling party and its affiliates to stifle dissent and thwart freedom of expression online.”

The post also reads, “However, the government must ensure that the Cyber Security Act it plans to replace DSA with does not rehash the same repressive features of the DSA.”

It has also called upon the government to ensure that the proposed new law complies fully with international human rights law and that all interested parties have enough opportunity to evaluate it and provide feedback before it is enacted.

“We also urge the Bangladeshi authorities to immediately and unconditionally release and drop all charges against all those charged under the DSA solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression," adds the post.

/MHK/